Preventing Icy Toe Jam

Equine hooves can collect snow, manure and ice during certain temperatures and snow conditions. Special snow pads, borium, and/or keeping hooves trimmed short and unshod can help with snow buildup.

During extreme conditions, snow and ice can impact the feet and hair of domestic animals and can cause more than discomfort. When the temperature drops and rises and the snow melts and clings, livestock and pet owners troubleshoot icy foot issues.

Cloven hoofed animals like cows, sheep and goats can collect snow, frozen manure pieces and ice in the middle of their hooves. Single-toed hoofed animals like horses and mules can collect snow in and around their frog (on the underneath of their hoof) that builds up and causes stumbling and slipping. Haired paws belonging to dogs and cats can also...